Three police officers have been arrested and detained following the tragic death of Suleiman Olayinka, a 27-year-old student at Kwara State University (KWASU), who was allegedly beaten to death by officers at Tanke Bridge in Ilorin. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday around 2 p.m., has sparked outrage within the community and prompted swift action from the Kwara State Police Command.
Eyewitnesses reported that Olayinka had just dismounted from a motorcycle to retrieve N1,000 he had transferred to a Point of Sale (POS) operator, intending to pay the rider. Shortly after, three officers reportedly emerged from a tricycle, forcibly dragging him to the ground. “He kept asking what offense he had committed, but they didn’t let him speak,” a source close to Olayinka recounted, adding that the victim pleaded for his life, telling the officers he was asthmatic—a plea they allegedly ignored.
DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating, “The command is aware of this unfortunate incident that led to the sudden death of Suleiman Olayinka.” According to the statement, a complaint of cheating and criminal breach of trust had initially been filed against Olayinka, which led to the police intervention.
The officers involved have since been identified and detained as part of an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olayinka’s death. “Further updates will be provided promptly as investigations unfold,” the police spokesperson added, assuring the public of transparency and accountability.
The incident has fueled renewed debates on police reform, with many calling for stricter accountability measures and the need to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring. Advocacy groups and students from KWASU have expressed their grief and anger, demanding justice for Olayinka and an overhaul of policing practices in Nigeria.
